Today marks the start of Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17). It is crucial that we recognize the continued Black maternal mortality crisis. Tens of thousands of women suffer painful and/or near-fatal complications in the prenatal or postpartum period each year. In 2021, the NIH found that the maternal mortality rate among Black women was 3.5 times higher than white women. As a staunch health advocate and acknowledging #NationalMinorityHealthMonth as well, we need to do our part to get Black women the maternal health resources they deserve! #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #NationalMinorityHealthMonth
Today, we stand with the autism community and advocates for #WorldAutismAwarenessDay. It’s important that we empower the autism community in our pursuits to preserve a better world for those with autism. In 2007, the United Nations designated April 2 as World Autism Day to affirm and promote all human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic people. Congress continues to support The Autism Cares Act (H.R. 1058) to revise programs and activities related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For more information on how you can make a difference today, during #WorldAutismMonth, and year-round, visit: ▪️ https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day ▪️ https://www.autismspeaks.org/utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=IS-branded-conv&utm_content=IS-evergreen&gad_source=1 ▪️ https://autismsociety.org ▪️ https://thecolorofautism.org #ActFearlesslyforChange #WorldAutismDay
My family, staff, and I are saddened by the news of the passing of Donald Payne Jr. He was such a gentleman—a fine American. He represented his children, his district, his state and was so exquisitely kind of heart with a sly sense of humor. A great Brother and colleague. He will be missed.
Our hands off and apathetic approach to Haiti is an affront to our values. We must support all measures to advance the stability in this nation and ensure that the people of Haiti are able to prosper. #HaitiCantWait
Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of welcoming my brother and colleague, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina to the Virgin Islands in celebration of Dr. Donna Christian-Christensen receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award! Well-deserved and huge congratulations Dr. Donna Christian-Christensen. 🎉 Photo Credit: Government House- US Virgin Islands
Wishing all who observe a blessed Good Friday. May this holy day be one of peace and reflection.
Earlier today, I sent a letter to Jim Jordan, Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary regarding threatening letters to technology companies under the guise of “conducting oversight of how and to what extent the Executive Branch has coerced or colluded with companies and other intermediaries to censor lawful speech.” Chairman Jordan claims the Select Subcommittee is supposed to combat bullying and cajoling these companies, yet he’s sending threatening letters. My ultimate question: Is the House Judiciary Committee majority consciously engaged in doing the work of America’s adversaries? 🤔 You can read more on my statement below: https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4446
Today, we commemorate Earth Day. 🌏 Our energy resilience plays an integral role in sustaining our world. My colleagues and I have especially advocated for climate change in our territories. Our constituents deserve equitable access to clean air, water, and land. I am a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 5191 – Renewable Energy for U.S. Territories Act. Together we can promote sustainable practices and highlight the public health risks associated with environmental issues. Organizations like EARTHDAY.ORG and continuing to activate communities with their call to action. This year’s theme of Planet vs. Plastics increases awareness of human exposure to plastic chemicals. The wellbeing of our constituents and the Earth is paramount to how we live our everyday lives. #happyearthday🌎♻️
We’ve got another clue celebrating both Women’s History Month and Virgin Islands History Month. ▪️Known as the territory’s first female judge Can you guess who this person was? Photo Credit: St. Thomas Source
This Transfer Day, remember that even amidst the most harrowing of circumstances, Virgin Islanders have proven their ability to excel, achieve and contribute substantially to this country. As we forge our way forward and create a future for our children, we must keep front of mind our ancestors, the spirit of revolution, resilience, and innovation, which we have shared with this country that must now be brought within.
Students, this is your urgent reminder to submit your artwork for our 2024 Congressional Art Competition!🖌️🎨🖼️ The deadline is April 17. We look forward to your submissions ☺️. For more information, please review our flyer. My office remains available for questions.
Did you guess that Virgin Islander in the second clue? Answer: Roy Innis. Innis was born in St. Croix and his family later moved to Harlem, New York. In 1963 he joined CORE’s Harlem Chapter then was elected Chairman of the Chapter’s Education Committee the following year. Innis became a forceful advocate of community-controlled education. You can find more about Roy Innis below 👇: https://www.thecongressofracialequality.org/about-roy-innis.html
This weekend concluded the activities of the #NationalCherryBlossomFestival! We wanted to take the time to recognize the U.S. Virgin Islands own 2024 Cherry Blossom Princess who was recently crowned Cherry Blossom Queen – Ms. Alessandra Evangelista of St. Croix! 🌸 👑 By way of tradition, the program recognizes women for their personal accomplishments and community contributions. The daughter of Attorney Richard Evangelista and Wanda Evangelista, Alessandra is a Junior at American University and past intern of our office. Congratulations, Alessandra!! 🎉🎉
As the month of Ramadan comes to a close, my team and I wish you a joyous Eid al-Fitr! May this day bring you and your loved ones joy and peace. Eid Mubarak!
It was a pleasure to join the @americankidneyfund, Vertex, my colleagues, esteemed participants, and Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning today to better understand APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease, or AMKD. 13% of Black Americans have two of the APOL1 mutations – which results in a 1 in 5 chance of developing kidney disease➡️ meaning that nearly 10,000 people in the U.S. Virgin Islands likely have the APOL1 mutation, 2,000 of which are likely to develop kidney disease as a result. As the Member of Congress representing the Virgin Islands, I am committed to supporting our communities and encouraging increased awareness about kidney disease. This week, I introduced a resolution, with the support of my colleagues dedicated to health equity, to designate the last Tuesday of April each year as, “APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day.” I am a staunch advocate for health equity and look forward to continued dialogue to raise awareness about AMKD. #BeAPOL1Aware #NationalMinorityHealthMonth
It was a pleasure to join the @americankidneyfund, Vertex, my colleagues, esteemed participants, and Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning today to better understand APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease, or AMKD. 13% of Black Americans have two of the APOL1 mutations – which results in a 1 in 5 chance of developing kidney disease➡️ meaning that nearly 10,000 people in the U.S. Virgin Islands likely have the APOL1 mutation, 2,000 of which are likely to develop kidney disease as a result. As the Member of Congress representing the Virgin Islands, I am committed to supporting our communities and encouraging increased awareness about kidney disease. This week, I introduced a resolution, with the support of my colleagues dedicated to health equity, to designate the last Tuesday of April each year as, “APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day.” I am a staunch advocate for health equity and look forward to continued dialogue to raise awareness about AMKD. #BeAPOL1Aware #NationalMinorityHealthMonth
Today, Sikh families around the world are celebrating Vaisakhi, which marks the beginning of the spring harvest. Wishing all who observe a joyous day of community and celebration!
Did you guess who this Virgin Islander was? Answer: Judge Eileen R. Petersen. Judge Petersen was the territory’s first female judge and was dedicated to the law and her advocacy for children. You can find more about Judge Petersen below 👇: https://stthomassource.com/content/2023/05/07/virgin-islanders-prepare-to-celebrate-the-life-of-eileen-petersen/
Passover commemorates the Jewish people’s journey to freedom, a story of finding hope to overcome oppression. Wishing all who celebrate a happy Passover. Chag Sameach!
Did you guess who this Virgin Islander was? Answer: Terrence Todman. Todman served as U.S. ambassador to six nations during a four-decade career in which he became the senior African American diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service You can find more about Terrence Todman below 👇: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/terence-a-todman-us-ambassador-to-six-nations-dies-at-88/2014/08/16/cccc09e4-2487-11e4-8593-da634b334390_story.html Thank you all for participating in our trivia for the month!
This clue concludes our last pair of clues for our Women’s and Virgin Islands History Month trivia. ▪️ Known as a master of more than half a dozen languages and the first African American to receive the distinguished honor of Career Ambassador in 1989 for his exceptional service to the government. Can you guess who it is?
In honor of #NationalPoetryMonth, our staff are sharing stanzas of their favorite poems! We’ll be posting videos of the readings throughout the month. #NationalPoetryMonth
We are continuing to honor #NationalPoetryMonth with stanza readings from our staff! Stay tuned for more throughout the month. #nationalpoetrymonth
We are continuing #NationalPoetryMonth with stanza readings from our staff. Today’s reading encourages us all to “finish the day.” Let this be your beginning of the week reminder to finish the day. #nationalpoetrymonth
